E46 (1999 - 2006) The fourth generation 3 Series (E46 chassis) was introduced in 1999 and set the standard for engineering and performance during it's years of production including being named to Car & Driver's 10 best list every one of those years! ! -- View the E46 Wiki

I checked all the grounds yesterday with except to the engine ground. I need to do that today because I need to get under the car and remove the protection plate.

For the future you can check the integrity of the engine ground strap from the top of the engine by measuring the resistance from the engine block anywhere to any bolt that makes good electrical contact with the chassis.
Naturally this reading should be close to zero ohms.

I was able to access the starter from under car. As shown on attached picture, remove control arm bushing and swing it down to take out the starter. I used an extremely long 3/8 extension to reach the bolt. Perhaps later I will have the time to do a diy write up.

Forgive me for i am just a poor girl who knows not very much about about cars. Im pretty sure my problem pertains to this thread. First off ive pretty much ruled out the bettery. On cold mornings i have a hard time getting her started. (2001 330ci) the engine turns over fine, not slow anything but wont start. Called my dad, he said to prime the fuel pump a few times before starting, and sure enough it starts up fine. She doesnt run rough at all, no check engine light, nothing. Now, on really cold mornings, below freezing, the same thing happens, except that after priming the fuel pump about 3 times, the engine starrs, sputters and dies. She will do that about three times before she starts and stays started. Then she purrs like a kitten. My dad thinks it could be moisture in the lines or fuel filter? He's unsure, and not a bimmer guy. I use top shelf, premium gas, and never let her go below a quarter tank. Only other thing is she's due for an oil change. Thanks for any feedback :o

Forgive me for i am just a poor girl who knows not very much about about cars. Im pretty sure my problem pertains to this thread. First off ive pretty much ruled out the bettery. On cold mornings i have a hard time getting her started. (2001 330ci) the engine turns over fine, not slow anything but wont start. Called my dad, he said to prime the fuel pump a few times before starting, and sure enough it starts up fine. She doesnt run rough at all, no check engine light, nothing. Now, on really cold mornings, below freezing, the same thing happens, except that after priming the fuel pump about 3 times, the engine starrs, sputters and dies. She will do that about three times before she starts and stays started. Then she purrs like a kitten. My dad thinks it could be moisture in the lines or fuel filter? He's unsure, and not a bimmer guy. I use top shelf, premium gas, and never let her go below a quarter tank. Only other thing is she's due for an oil change. Thanks for any feedback :o

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How many miles? With symptoms like that (and no other details) I'd start with a fuel filter and pump. If you have more than 100k miles, I'd chalk this up to E46 maintenance.

Also a possibility is leaking injectors, depressurizing the rail overnight. But those are more the exception and not the rule. I'd start with the filter and pump.

Per your description of your no start issue it is weather related. What testing have you done that led you to eliminate the battery? Have you tried boosting or jump starting and the car will not start?

I had the same problem, changed out battery and starter same problem. Turns out there is a switch in the steering that was going bad. The switch connects to the key cylinder and allows voltage to run the starter. I took it off and replaced it, no issues after. BTW I took the switch apart and found corrosion on the contact points which leads me to believe were the cause of the intermittent starting problems. since i changed it out I have not had any problems, hope this helps.

I had the same problem, changed out battery and starter same problem. Turns out there is a switch in the steering that was going bad. The switch connects to the key cylinder and allows voltage to run the starter. I took it off and replaced it, no issues after. BTW I took the switch apart and found corrosion on the contact points which leads me to believe were the cause of the intermittent starting problems. since i changed it out I have not had any problems, hope this helps.

marvel0124, can you expand or perhaps do a step-by-step fix of the switch?

I just finished a starter replacement on my wife's 2004 330xi. I did not lower the transmission. I removed the air intake components (both for engine and cabin) and took off the heater hoses. That gave me enough access to the bolts for the starter motor. The only reason that I had to remove the lower splash panels and the fuel filter cover was to fish the starter motor out of the bottom. I couldn't easily pull it out through the top. I probably spent more time getting the starter motor out of the engine bay than I did with the bolts holding it in place. But, the key is a gear wrench. Best with flexible head and at least 12" long. I bought this one in 8/10mm from my Snap-On dealer. Although it isn't a torx socket, the fit is good enough for the bolt to be removed without damage. Much better than dropping the transmission to access the bolt with a combination of extensions and universal swivels. Without this wrench, the job would be vastly more difficult. $60 well invested. It is not a Snap-On branded wrench. It is an EZRED NRM810 and about $30 online. I just couldn't wait for an online order.

My grand daughter had the same problem with her Ford Taurus.She kept telling me her car was starting slowly and I couldn't find anything so ignored it. Then one day it died on her at work and I had to pay to have it towed home. A new starter fixed right up. The shaft on the old one was frozen so it must have been bad bearings. We bought our 2006 325Ci in January with 89000 miles on it and it turns over slower when starting than any other car I've owned so I'm wondering if I have the same problem.

My grand daughter had the same problem with her Ford Taurus.She kept telling me her car was starting slowly and I couldn't find anything so ignored it. Then one day it died on her at work and I had to pay to have it towed home. A new starter fixed right up. The shaft on the old one was frozen so it must have been bad bearings. We bought our 2006 325Ci in January with 89000 miles on it and it turns over slower when starting than any other car I've owned so I'm wondering if I have the same problem.